Opening Hours
Standard Hours: Open 24/7, 365 days a year for passenger vehicles
Seasonal Adjustments: Commercial inspection services limited to weekdays (Monday-Friday) during daylight hours
Holiday Closures: The Peace Bridge remains open on all holidays, though commercial processing may be limited
Wait Time & Traffic
Average Wait: 15-30 minutes for passenger vehicles; 30-60 minutes for commercial vehicles
Peak Times:
- Weekday mornings (7-9 AM) for commuter traffic
- Weekend afternoons (2-6 PM) for shopping/tourism
- Buffalo Sabres hockey game days
- Summer holiday weekends (delays can reach 82 minutes)
Express Options:
- NEXUS program for pre-approved travelers (72% faster clearance)
- FAST program for commercial drivers
- Dedicated lanes for participants during peak periods
Border Facilities
Immigration Processing: Available 24/7 on both sides
Customs Processing: Available 24/7 for passenger vehicles; Limited (M-F 6AM-8PM U.S. side, 7AM-7PM Canadian side) for commercial vehicles
Health Screening: Available (thermal imaging cameras with AI symptom detection on Canadian side; Level 2 biocontainment facility on U.S. side)
Services:
Restrooms: Available on both sides
Food: Limited options on both sides (vending machines)
Currency Exchange: Automated on U.S. side; Full-service on Canadian side
Duty-Free Shops: Available on both sides before crossing
Information Kiosks: Staffed during business hours
Accessibility:
Wheelchair access at all primary buildings
Accessible restrooms on both sides
Designated parking for mobility-impaired travelers
Assistance available upon request from border officers
Official Resources
Canada Border Authority: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
- Website: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/
- Contact: 1-800-461-9999
United States Border Authority: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- Website: https://www.cbp.gov/
- Contact: 1-877-227-5511
Travel Advisories:
- NITTEC Travel Advisories: https://www.nittec.org/travel_advisories/
- Peace Bridge Border Wait Times: https://www.peacebridge.com/Traffic/index.php
- CBP Border Wait Times: https://bwt.cbp.gov/
Overview
The Peace Bridge stands as a vital link in the Toronto-Niagara-Buffalo economic corridor, facilitating approximately 1.19 million vehicle crossings annually between Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York. Operating continuously since 1927, this impressive 5,800-foot steel arch bridge spans the Niagara River, serving as a critical infrastructure for both personal and commercial transit. The crossing features advanced security protocols including FAST lanes for commercial operators and NEXUS eGates for pre-screened travelers, significantly reducing wait times for eligible participants.
The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority manages this international gateway with a commitment to efficiency and environmental responsibility, enforcing anti-idling policies to reduce emissions while maintaining uninterrupted passenger vehicle processing 24/7/365. The Canadian Border Services Agency operates the Fort Erie Port of Entry with comprehensive immigration and customs services, while the U.S. Customs and Border Protection manages the Buffalo side with equally robust facilities. Together, these agencies process thousands of travelers daily, balancing thorough security screening with the need for efficient cross-border movement.
Document Requirements
- Valid passport with appropriate visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Canada
- I-94 form or appropriate visa for entering the United States
- Proof of sufficient funds for intended stay
- Return/onward ticket information
- Detailed travel itinerary and accommodation information
- FAST program membership for commercial drivers
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) with RFID chips
- NEXUS card (for program members)
- Trusted Traveler Program cards (FAST, Global Entry)
- Canadian passport or passport card
- Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) with RFID chips
- NEXUS card (for program members)
- Birth certificate coupled with government-issued photo ID
Crossing Procedure
From Canada Side
Approach the Commercial Vehicle Processing Centre (CVPC) if driving a commercial vehicle (located 2km before the bridge)
Proceed to toll payment booths (accepts E-ZPass, Presto transponders, and international payment cards)
Present required documentation to CBSA officers for exit verification
Complete export declarations through the Accelerated Commercial Release Operations Support System (ACROSS) if applicable
Follow directional signs to cross the bridge toward U.S. entry
From USA Side
Follow lane assignments as directed by traffic controllers
Proceed to CBP primary inspection booth where officers will scan license plates and documents
Answer all questions truthfully about citizenship, purpose of visit, length of stay, and goods being imported
If selected, proceed to secondary inspection area for additional screening
Pay any applicable duties on declared goods through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) portals
Clear final checkpoint and follow signs to exit the border facility
Special Considerations
Vehicle Imports/Exports:
Temporary importation requires vehicle registration and proof of insurance
Permanent importation subject to safety and emissions standards compliance
Special permits required for vehicles exceeding standard dimensions:
Width: Up to 3.5 meters
Height: 4.8 meters clearance
Weight: 125,000 lbs GVWR with annual axle permits
Goods Allowances:
Duty-free allowances for Canadian residents: $200 CAD (24-48 hours); $800 CAD (7+ days)
Duty-free allowances for U.S. residents: $800 USD (48+ hours)
Alcohol limits: 1.5L wine OR 1.14L liquor OR 24 cans/bottles of beer
Tobacco limits: 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 200g manufactured tobacco
Prohibited Items:
Agricultural products: Citrus plants, unpasteurized dairy, certain fruits and vegetables
Weapons: Firearms, ammunition, weapons without proper permits
Controlled substances without valid prescriptions
Counterfeit goods and unauthorized copies
Cultural artifacts lacking proper documentation
Currency Restrictions:
Amounts exceeding $10,000 USD/CAD equivalent must be declared to both countries
Blockchain-based declaration systems enable cryptocurrency conversions
Known Issues:
Winter closures average 2.3 days annually due to severe weather
Construction delays during summer maintenance periods
Reversible center lane may cause confusion during directional changes
Accommodations
Hotels and Restaurants in near Border Canada (Fort Erie):
- Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre (1.2 km)
- Comfort Inn Fort Erie (1.5 km)
- The Lighthouse Restaurant (1.3 km)
- Ming Teh Chinese Restaurant (1.7 km)
Hotels and Restaurants in Near border United States (Buffalo):
- Hampton Inn & Suites Buffalo Downtown (3.2 km)
- Courtyard by Marriott Buffalo Downtown/Canalside (2.8 km)
- Pearl Street Grill & Brewery (2.5 km)
- Anchor Bar (original home of Buffalo wings) (4.1 km)
Better Options Nearby:
- Niagara Falls, Canada (23 km) for premium hotel accommodations and dining
- Buffalo city center (5 km) for wider range of accommodation options
Public Review Sentiments
Based on total reviews found online, the Peace Bridge border crossing generally provides an efficient crossing experience, though with notable inconsistencies in service quality. Most travelers report reasonably quick processing times during non-peak hours, with NEXUS program members particularly satisfied with expedited screening. The professional demeanor of many officers receives positive mentions, especially when handling routine crossings.
However, critical feedback centers on unpredictable wait times during busy periods, with delays sometimes exceeding an hour without clear explanation. Some travelers report experiencing inconsistent treatment at primary inspection, with certain officers described as unnecessarily confrontational or suspicious toward legitimate travelers. Several reviews mention stressful experiences for neurodivergent individuals who found the questioning intimidating, while others cite arbitrary-seeming secondary inspections that significantly extended crossing times. Overall, while most crossings proceed smoothly, the unpredictability of both wait times and officer interactions remains a concern for regular users.
Traveler Experiences
"Crossing with NEXUS is so efficient! I commute weekly for work and typically clear both sides in under 10 minutes total. The dedicated lanes make all the difference, especially during busy summer weekends." - James K., June 2024
"We were nervous about crossing with our RV, but the commercial processing center on the Canadian side was very helpful. We called ahead to confirm size restrictions and had all our documentation ready. The officer was friendly and guided us through the process smoothly." - Maria and Robert T., August 2024
"As frequent cross-border shoppers, we've learned to time our crossings for weekday evenings. The Peace Bridge has been consistently faster than other Niagara crossings in our experience, especially if you have nothing to declare. The toll system with E-ZPass makes it even smoother." - Sarah L., October 2024
DISCLAIMER: This guide provides general information based on data available at time of publication. Border regulations, requirements, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current information with official government sources before travel. BorderRoute.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information. Travel decisions and border compliance remain the sole responsibility of the traveler.
